Akinori Iwamura (stats (http://www.japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=993)), the third baseman whom the Yakult Swallows posted, is evidentally going to Tampa Bay with the Devil Rays having won the bid.

News, notes and quotes from the general managers meetings at the Naples Grande Resort and club.

* It appears Tampa Bay has won the bidding right for Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura. The Devil Rays reportedly outbid the Indians, San Diego and Boston for the left-handed hitter. The Yakult Swallows, Iwamura's club, are expected to announce the winning bid Wednesday or Thursday.

Question is... if TB did indeed win the bidding, will he actually sign there? And if he does, where will the Devil Rays play BJ Upton with Zobrist tearing up the AFL? They already have 2 or 3 good hitters who can't field worth a damn (Cantu, Gomes, etc).

The Devil Rays may just surprise some people if they can aquire some pitching. They sure have enough young offensive threats.

SABRSox

11-14-2006, 08:39 PM

Akinori Iwamura (stats (http://www.japanesebaseball.com/players/player.jsp?PlayerID=993)), the third baseman whom the Yakult Swallows posted, is evidentally going to Tampa Bay with the Devil Rays having won the bid.

Question is... if TB did indeed win the bidding, will he actually sign there? And if he does, where will the Devil Rays play BJ Upton with Zobrist tearing up the AFL? They already have 2 or 3 good hitters who can't field worth a damn (Cantu, Gomes, etc).

The Devil Rays may just surprise some people if they can aquire some pitching. They sure have enough young offensive threats.

I think Upton is getting traded for pitching. They've pretty much given up on him. Too bad he plays absolutely no defense, otherwise I'd make a run at him.

buehrle4cy05

11-14-2006, 08:41 PM

If they sign him, it definetly won't be long-term. The Rays have Evan Longoria coming up, and I'd have to assume that he's their 3B of the future.

broker3d

11-14-2006, 11:19 PM

Upton is going to the OF and Crawford is being traded for pitching.

FedEx227

11-14-2006, 11:22 PM

Yes they've been waiting to move Upton to OF for a long, long time. Crawford, Baldelli, Dukes, Gomes, Upton, Iwamura, Cantu, Zobrist... they got a good team. Damnit get some pitching :angry:

getonbckthr

11-14-2006, 11:46 PM

Upton is going to the OF and Crawford is being traded for pitching.
I know a team with pitching and they need a leadoff hitter!!!!